Mickey Mouse ears, Patent Number pickups, stop tail (stop me if you’re heard enough!) 1963 Gibson ES-335 TDC… 

So, at some point this was cherry red and from what we heard from the previous owner the work was carried out in the 60s. Evidence of the colour can be seen through the f-holes. The refinish has been well done though definitely of its time however from not too great a distance it does look like an all original blonde finish which got us a bit excited when the owner sent through the initial pictures...

There is the evidence of a Bigsby having been fitted and the headstock a headstock crack has been repaired. The crack can be seen in the pictures and has been well repaired. 

Aside from this, the neck feels great and the fretboard is in good condition with plenty of life left in the original frets. The neck is a nice fuller feeling profile, almost like a 64 but definitely not skinny like a 62.

Its evident that both pickups have been out of the guitar as you can see by the heat shrink. Both sound great. There doesn’t seem to be any other evidence of changes to the electrics as far as we can tell. The pickup surround screws have been replaced with one having broken in the body.

Plastics are all correct and in good shape as is the hardware. A few of the saddles have been replaced and the tailpiece is a very good repro that would fool most people.

Correct single line, double ring Kluson tuners are on there but the bottom E tuner is a later double line Gibson.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case which is non original.

Sonically this guitar sounds really, really good whether thats plugged in or not. The guitar has an inherent sustain and sweet tone that translates to the amplified sound so wonderfully. Both pickups are well balanced making this guitar a joy to play.

We love these here at ATB Guitars and anyone who’s picked one up will understand why. If you like them too then this is probably your cheapest entry point into your classic year, stop tail ES heaven…